2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia EV6

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged evolution of the standard Outback, with a design that leaned more towards an off-road vehicle than a traditional station wagon. It featured a higher ground clearance of 23 centimetres, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior was dominated by dark grey and black tones with StarTex water-repellant upholstery. The Outback Wilderness was designed to stand out with its bold styling and practical features like a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia EV6 was a sleek and sporty electric vehicle, reminiscent of a Ford Mustang Mach-E. It had a low and wide stance, with a highback tail and a lip spoiler that doubled as a lightbar. The EV6's design was characterized by voluptuous curves, squinting headlights, and a wedgy profile. The interior boasted dual 12-inch screens, a floating centre console, and ambient lighting, creating a futuristic and airy cabin. The EV6's design was not only about aesthetics but also about functionality, with features like flush door handles and a hidden rear charge port adding to its modern appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, allowing for a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 23 cm of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less engaging than a dual-clutch automatic transmission might have been. The Outback Wilderness excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a dual-function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control enhancing its capabilities.

The 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line e-AWD was equipped with two electric motors, delivering 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.6 seconds, with a 77.4 kWh battery providing power. The EV6's performance was impressive, with quick torque delivery and effective power distribution. It offered multiple regenerative braking settings, including a one-pedal driving mode. However, the EV6's driving range was affected by cold weather, with real-world efficiency falling short of Kia's estimates. Charging was relatively fast, with the ability to accept up to 240 kW, though real-world charging times varied.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered generous space, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a 4-way manual passenger seat. Rear seat space was ample, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The Kia EV6 offered a spacious interior with a low floor, providing generous legroom and headroom. The rear seats reclined and had air vents, though the cargo space was limited to 690 litres, expanding to 1,322 litres with the seats folded. The EV6's interior featured innovative controls, such as a touchscreen that combined climate and stereo functions. Towing capacity was 1,043 kilograms, and the EV6 included an onboard power generator for additional utility.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive, requiring specific prompts. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The Kia EV6's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display with augmented reality. It offered a 14-speaker Meridian stereo in the highest trim and included features like remote parking assist. The EV6's technology was impressive, with a focus on connectivity and driver assistance.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness had not been crash-tested, but the standard Outback received high safety ratings.

The Kia EV6 included standard safety features like forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning. Higher trims offered blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. However, the EV6 had no published crash-test results.